Ephesians

By Mary Jane Chaignot

Colossians wasn't the only book familiar to the author of Ephesians. He quoted from many of Paul's other letters as well. It's as though the author had all the letters in front of him and realized how important they would be to the life of the evolving church. Unfortunately, each letter had been addressed to an individual church regarding its individual problems. None of the letters put forth a comprehensive view of Paul's teachings, at least not in a way that was relevant and applicable to the new generation. Hence, the writer wrote the letter to the Ephesians using as many of Paul's own words as possible so that Paul's own voice would be heard.

So why do scholars think Paul did not write Ephesians? The answers are varied, but significant. Obviously there are many differences in style between Ephesians and Paul's other letters – differences in combinations and shades of meaning, even in the length of his sentences. But also there are almost ninety words in this book that do not appear in any of Paul's other letters, words that are, however, found in writings that follow the New Testament period. Roughly one-third of Colossians can be found in Ephesians, and scholars do not attribute Colossians to Paul. There are quotes from every other letter except 2 Thess. In no other letter does Paul "copy" himself to this degree.

There are also theological differences. The writer of Ephesians describes the apostles as being "holy" and the recipients of "the mystery of Christ." Paul never separated them out in this way. Nor did he subscribe to the thought that Christians are "members of a household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone (2:19-20)." "Church" in Ephesians represents the universal, not the local church as in Paul's authentic letters. Indeed, church has eclipsed the idea of Christ in this epistle. Whereas in Paul's other writings, he emphasized the event and meaning of the death of Christ, the writer of Ephesians talks about the exalted Christ. There is no longer any teaching on the second coming or the final judgment. Finally, the "letter" to the Ephesians really isn't a letter at all. It lacks the distinguishing features of Paul's other letters and certainly wasn't sent to a congregation addressing particular points of need.

Most scholars think Ephesians was composed late in the first century by followers of Paul. It is referred to as a Deutero-Pauline correspondence, which shows Paul's enduring influence even after he had departed. It is likely that the Paulinists were the ones who collected and distributed Paul's earlier letters – for which we will always be grateful. As they reflected and meditated upon his writings, they were responsible for tweaking them to meet the needs of the new generations. The biggest issue facing them, of course, was that the Parousia had not occurred. The early Christians, including Paul, had expected this to happen within a short period of time. This new generation was impelled to explain why it had not. Also, by this time, there were several competing factions within early Christianity. As these various sects became more influential, the church responded by the formation of the canon, the collection of writings deemed to be authoritative, and a creed, an authoritative statement of faith. Because the people making these decisions could trace their lineage back to the original apostles, they became the "authority" (an episcopate – from the Greek word meaning 'bishop') for the church. These institutional developments provided a means for the church to deal with opposing views. In this way, the church was providing for its future. And even though this letter is addressed to the Ephesians, scholars think it was meant for Christians throughout Asia Minor, primarily Gentile Christians.

It was probably written to remind them of their blessings and responsibilities as believers. It came at a time when tensions were rising between Jewish and Gentile Christians, and the young church was dealing with threats from Gnostic interpreters. In using Paul's name, the writers wanted to make sure the believers saw themselves in continuity with the apostle to the Gentiles. The letter, then, is based first on what God has done for them and only then invites them to a response. It is primarily a call for unity, and is centered on baptism. It also gives a summary of Paul's theology, but adapts it for the new generation. It was probably written around 80-90CE. It was used by I Clement as early as 95CE.

There are two main sections in the letter to the Ephesians: 1:1-3:21 – The Theological Basis for Christian Unity; 4:1-6:24 – Practical Instruction for Maintenance of Christian Unity

History is the working out of God's plan; one day all will be one family

1:11-14

Jews and Gentiles

Jews were the first to believe in God's Anointed

Their part in the plan of God was to be the nation from whom the chosen would come.

Gentiles then received the word of God

They were sealed by the Holy Spirit

"Seal" indicated its genuineness

Experience of the Holy Spirit is a "deposit" on what is yet to come

It is the first installment on the Christian's true inheritance

1:15-23

A prayer of intercession

Author gives thanksgiving for all that he has heard about them

He remembers them daily in his prayers

He prays that they might have the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know God even better

He uses "know" in the sense of increased personal acquaintance

Knowledge is described as man's enlightenment, hope for the future

The "eyes of their hearts" being enlightened will result in three things:

The hope of his calling -- eternity

The riches of the glory of his inheritance – life with God forever

The greatness of his power – the strength of his might

This power was already demonstrated in God's raising of Jesus from death

Christ now sits on God's right hand in heavenly realm

Christ is Lord of all

All things are under his feet

With Christ at its head, the church is his body

The church is the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

2:1-10

Redemption and forgiveness

2:1-3

Man is alienated from the life of God – dead in trespasses and sins

Transgressions (lapses); sins (shortcomings)

This is the life of man without God

Before they were Christians, they followed the ways of the world

They were obedient to the ruler of the kingdom of the air (Satan)

This was also true of Paul and Jews before they became Christians

To live as a Gentile was to live according to the "cravings of sinful nature"

People do whatever they desire and think

2:4-7

Contrast between spiritually dead and those created in Christ

Over against man's sinful nature, God has graciously accepted man in Christ

God loves the people he has created – has compassion for the helpless

By grace we have been saved

We have been made alive with Christ

We are exalted with him in the heavenly realm

This was all done so that future generations would know the riches of His grace

His grace is expressed in kindness toward us

2:8-10

Heart of Paul's gospel

"It is by grace you have been saved – through faith"

It is the gift of God, not something we have earned

Nor is it by "works," so that one cannot boast

No reason for spiritual pride; grace precludes boasting

We are God's workmanship, created to do good works

God has prepared them in advance for us to do

2:11-22

Christ and the unity of church

Believers should no longer think in terms of "Jew/Gentile"

Both are a new creation – Christians

2:11-12

Gentiles are reminded of their previous life – uncircumcised

At that time, Gentiles were separated from Christ

They were foreigners of the covenant, excluded from citizenship in Israel

2:13-18

Gentiles are now in Christ

They have been brought near through blood of Christ

Jesus is peace, he brings peace through his life

Jews and Gentiles are now one people

The death of Christ has abolished the law with its rules and regulations

Christ has destroyed the dividing wall between nations

Does not mean that all moral law was destroyed

The broken barrier accomplished by the cross means enmity is now peace

Church is like a living body, but exists peacefully as one

Peace was preached to those far as well as near

All now have access to the one God through the one Spirit

2:19-22

The new unity

So, they are no longer foreigners and aliens

They are fellow citizens and members of His household

Apostles and prophets form the foundation of the church

Jesus is the chief cornerstone

(Argument for authoritative line of tradition; cornerstone is the key)

All that is builded up is built together

Christians are that holy temple by virtue of being in Christ

Gentile Christians have a big part in all of this

Believers are God's building, His temple

3:1-21

Paul and the mission to the Gentiles

3:1

Introduction of Paul, the prisoner for Christ

(Those who argue for Pauline authorship have used this as evidence of imprisonment)

3:2-13

God commissioned Paul to minister to the Gentiles

This was given to him through grace

The mystery was made known to him through revelation

They already know this so they should understand his insight into the mystery of Christ

This mystery of Christ was hidden from people of old, but is now revealed

The mystery is that through the gospel, Gentiles are heirs with Israel

All are members of one body

They all share in the promise of Christ

Paul repeats that he was a servant of Christ through God's grace

His strength to do so came from God's power

Paul admits that he was less than the least of all God's people

Yet it was his commission and privilege to preach the riches of Christ

His commission was to make plain to everyone the mystery

God used the vehicle of church to make known the wisdom of God

The church has a cosmic function in God's plan

God had planned to do this from the beginning

God had accomplished this through Christ

God did this so we could approach Him with freedom and confidence

All barriers have been removed

Paul asks them not to be discouraged because of his sufferings (imprisonment?)

Paul is suffering on their behalf; for their "glory"

3:14-19

Praying for enlightenment; an enraptured supplication

Author kneels (expression of deep devotion, humility) before the Father

The Father is the one after whom the whole family is named

Prayer draws upon God's unlimited resources

There is no limit to His ability to give

God gives out of His glorious riches

God prepares the believer through the indwelling of

Christ in his heart

Christ is in the believer's inmost being

Prayer that believers may be rooted and established in love

This has happened, but should continue to be part of believers' lives

After requests, author mentions effect that his prayer will have on them

Prayer includes power to grasp – strength to understand

Author attempts to show magnitude of Christ's love

There is no concrete way to describe Christ's love

He uses tangible spatial images

Yet, Christ's love is beyond knowledge of it

Still, it is one step toward being filled to the measure of God's fullness

3:20-21

Doxology

He appeals to the wealth and understanding of God

God can do much more than they could ever imagine

Our experience of him will always be limited

Christ and the church form the sphere of God's glory

They are the means by which glory is proclaimed to all

4:1-6:24 – Practical Instruction for Maintenance of Christian Unity

4:1-6

Unity of the church

Author invites readers to live the life worthy of their calling

They are part of God's grand design in the uniting of all things

List of personal attitudes essential for unity in the body of Christ

Includes: humility – seeing another instead of oneself

Gentleness – consideration towards others

Patience – willingness and ability to deal with others courteously

Bearing with one another – as God would

Love – The crowning virtue of them all

They are to make every effort to keep the unity

This unity comes from the Holy Spirit

Peace is what forges the bond of unity

Besides being one in body and Spirit, they are called to one hope

Hope is the goal or inheritance, common to all believers

The church is established by recognition of Christ, the Lord

Rite of baptism unified them all

Unity of God – One God and the Father of all

He is over all, through all, and in all

These represent His transcendence, omnipresence, and immanence

4:7-11

Diversity of the body contributes to its unity

Body is unified but not uniform; everyone has a contribution to offer

Listing of gifts includes what is needed for proper functioning body

Gift is one of grace – apportioned by Christ

Quotes from Psalms celebrating God's victory over enemies

Says Christ ascended and descended – inclusive of all

He was exalted to highest honor and greatest glory possible

He fills the universe – pervades everything with His presence

It makes Christ accessible to everyone at all times

He made some apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers

There is some overlapping among these functions

As time went on, leadership relied upon sacred writings as opposed to being present with Jesus

These "gifts" provided for continued leadership for the next generations

4:12-16

Functions of leaders for church unity

First and foremost, they are to prepare God's people for works of service

They do this so the body of Christ will be built up

Every member, then, must contribute to this process

This "building up" includes unity in the faith and knowledge of Son of God

It also will include personal maturity – in relation to the church

Final stage will be attainment of whole measure of fullness of Christ

Currently, they are like children tossed back and forth by the waves

They are blown here and there by every wind of teaching

They have permitted false teachings and doctrines to sway them

Heretics are chastised for deliberately leading them astray

Church should be characterized by speaking the truth in love

They will live out the truth in the spirit of love

The church will then grow up in him who is the head – Christ

Christ will direct this growth

The body will grow and build, each part doing its share of the work

All growth is interdependent

4:17-24

Appeal to abandon former life; embrace the new

Gentile way of life includes futility of thinking – all is vanity

Life without God is meaningless

Gentiles have darkened minds, are deprived of God's light and illumination

Life without God leads to ignorance and hardening of hearts

Having lost all sensitivity, they are sensual, indulging in iniquity and lust

Life without God leads to all sorts of immoral behaviour

In contrast, believers know Christ

They were taught the truth that is in Christ T

hey were taught to put off the old life and put on the new

(Some see reference here to baptism – putting on of new life)

Indeed, they were made new in the attitudes of their minds

In this new creation, they are to be like God in true righteousness and holiness

This continues to be a process even though it is factual

4:25-5:2

Virtues and vices associated with old and new life

For every vice to be put off, there is a virtue to be put on

They must put off falsehood and put on truthfulness

Lying is detrimental to Christian community

They much learn to keep anger in check – do not sin

They should not give the devil an opportunity

Unresolved anger leads to sinful actions

The one who steals should stop and begin working

Then they will have something to give to others in need

Ultimate purpose for working is to have something to give away

They should not speak unwholesome talk but only what is helpful

Then they will make a positive contribution to those who listen

Misuse of speech is felt by the Holy Spirit for whom they are "sealed"

Presence of Holy Spirit gives them the ability to clean up their speech

This would include all bitterness, rancor, rage, every form of malice

In contrast, they should be kind and compassionate, forgiving each other

These qualities promote spirit of acceptance, tolerance, patience

They can act with same generosity God has shown to them

They should be imitators of God, live a life of love

They have the example of Christ giving up his life for us Christian's life should be expressed in self-giving sacrifice

This is pleasing to God

5:3-21

Living in the light of the Lord

Sensualism and sexual immoralities contradict lives in imitation of God

In place of foolish or shameful talk, they should give thanksgiving

Thanksgiving should be given to God

Those who are immoral, covetous, greedy are idolatrous

Such are excluded from the true inheritance that God has prepared

Those who have sinful nature will not share in the kingdom of God

Teachers who say these things don't matter are being deceptive

God's wrath will be on those who are disobedient

Believers are told not to partner with such individuals

They must not participate in such vices

Previously Gentiles were darkness, but now they are in the light of the Lord

Life lived in light is filled with righteousness, truth, goodness

Therefore, they should live as children of light

They are to discover what pleases God

It is not just believing, but also doing what is right

The works of light are fruitful; the works of darkness are fruitless

They should not be participants with darkness

In fact, it is shameful to even talk about it

Everything exposed by the light becomes visible

The power of light not only reveals, but also transforms

Darkness cannot exist where there is light

The Christian should "wake up!" Christ will shine on them

All of this is to encourage the believer to be what they already are

They are to live as wise, not unwise, people, knowing right from wrong

They are to make the most of every opportunity; time is precious

They should praise God through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs

And give thanks for everything – a continual spirit of gratitude

They should submit themselves to each other out of reverence for Christ

5:22-33

The quality of relationship between husband and wife

Marriage relationship reflects relationship between Christ and his church

Wives should submit to husbands "as to the Lord"

Hierarchical language: husband is head of wife as Christ is head of church

Marriage is thus compared to marriage of Lamb to his church

Husbands are to love their wives, give themselves up for her

"Love" means to subordinate their own interests, pleasures, wants

Christ gave himself to church to make her holy, cleansing her with water

Possible reference to baptism

Christ was then able to present her without blemish

In like manner, husbands are to love wives as their own bodies

It's easier to love someone when there is also benefit to ourselves

This is all a mystery, but marriage relationship is like Christ and his church

For this reason, man leaves his home and is united with his wife

Section ends with submission, reverence, love

The result is a deeper understanding of both relationships

6:1-4

Relationship between parents and children

Children are to obey their parents; this is morally right

Children who honour their parents receive a promise of prosperity

Fathers are admonished not to provoke their children

Instead they should train and instruct them in the Lord

6:5-9

Relationship between slaves and masters

Slaves are instructed to obey their masters just as they would obey Christ

This is to be done whether they're being observed or not

If the master is not watching, God is

They should work cheerfully as if they were working for the Lord

Whether slave or free, good work will have its reward

Masters are to treat their slaves in the same manner

God will also reward them

God does not show favoritism

6:10-20

Christian living is a spiritual fight

Christians are to be made strong in the Lord continually

The believer's equipment is the full amour of God

Everything that is needed is supplied to resist the devil's schemes

Warfare is also against cosmic powers

Therefore, with God's full armour, they will withstand the evil day

The devil will have no hold on them

Pieces of armour include belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness

Their feet will be fitted with the gospel of peace

The shield of faith will protect them from flaming arrows of evil

They have the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit

With all this armour, they need to stay alert, keep on praying

This armour is an expression of our dependence upon God

They need to pray for each other, since all are involved in battle

He asks them to pray for him as well that the words may be given him

So that he can freely make known the mystery of the gospel

6:21-24

Final greetings and benediction

This is almost word for word from Colossians

Mention of Tychicus might mean he carried this letter as well

The author ends the letter with a benediction

Peace, love, and grace – a prayer for unity among believers

The epistle began with an ascription of praise and ends with a benediction of peace, love, and grace. These words are not limited to one congregation, but are addressed to the whole Christian fellowship. The recipients of these gifts are "them that love our Lord, Jesus Christ." It is a reminder that God's love can only penetrate where there is receptivity. And where there is receptivity, that love is infinite and eternal – beyond measure! Next month we will return to an authentic Pauline epistle – Paul's letter to the Philippians.